Remote work can be extremely beneficial for many reasons. Studies have shown that up to 91% of people who work from home would like to work from home again. This type of work can improve company culture and reduce traffic and air pollution. However, it is not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the things you need to know about this type of work.
Incentives for remote workers
Incentives for remote workers can help a business attract new workers. One of the most common incentives is a cash bonus for hiring a remote worker. However, some incentives don’t offer monetary compensation. For example, the city of Wichita Falls in Texas pays companies to hire residents and local students. These incentives are intended to attract a new workforce that will support the local economy.
Currently, some cities are taking the lead in attracting remote workers. The capital city of Lisbon has a mixture of golden beaches and a bustling urban environment. This combines with an affordable cost of living and attracts many digital nomads. Portugal has a number of incentives in place for these new workers.
The state of Oklahoma is also encouraging remote workers with a program that offers remote workers up to 5% of their gross payroll. Additionally, the state of Georgia offers incentives for people who work from home in rural areas. The state is also allowing employers to use the number of remote workers in their 2019 employment levels to claim credits in 2020 and 2021.
Whether incentives are needed for remote workers is a personal decision, but incentives are often the best approach to attract new talent. Prithwiraj Choudhury of Harvard Business School found that incentives for remote workers can be effective in attracting the workforce a city may need. It is estimated that up to five million people are remote workers at any given time, and the number of remote workers is expected to double in the next few years.
Incentives for remote workers can include free co-working memberships, a free bicycle, and a membership at a cultural institution. A remote worker program can be very lucrative for a city and can provide a boost to the local economy. But there are also downsides. A remote worker incentive program should be well-designed to attract new talent.
Incentives for remote workers may also include money for student loans, and money to purchase a home. Some cities offer a $10,000 incentive to employees who choose to work from a remote location for the first two years. A $10,000 bonus can make a big difference when a remote employee encounters an unplanned setback. In addition to financial benefits, the company should consider other factors, such as proximity to family, and a lower cost of living compared to the city’s headquarters.
One non-monetary incentive for remote workers is to give them the freedom to choose the projects they work on. Allowing them to choose the projects they enjoy can encourage high performance. Most remote employees find it difficult to meet deadlines, client demands, and metrics, but rewarding hard work with a choice of projects is a sweet reward.
Incentives for remote workers may not be as widespread as those offered for on-site employees. However, they are still important for the success of a remote workforce. For example, a city in Georgia recently launched a $2,000 incentive for remote technology workers. This incentive program was created to attract new tech workers and companies to the city. Most talent incentive programs offer a direct cash incentive, often up to $10,000, but some offer other benefits.
Personality traits needed for remote work
While the number of remote workers is increasing, employers are concerned about the personality traits of those who want to engage in this type of work. Remote working presents many unique challenges, including loneliness, collaboration, and the ability to switch off from work. As an employer, you should consider these characteristics when hiring a remote worker.
Remote workers are likely to be more productive when they exhibit certain personality traits. A high level of conscientiousness is related to increased productivity. People with higher levels of conscientiousness are also likely to be more motivated to continue working from home despite a pandemic. This is a statistically and economically significant relationship. The difference between these two groups is eight percentage points. This difference equates to over three percent of the sample’s productivity.
Being honest is another important personality trait. Employees with higher levels of conscientiousness tend to be more honest. Remote workers who have high levels of conscientiousness are less likely to engage in workplace manipulation. Keeping these personality traits in mind can ensure a positive remote working experience for your employees.
Emotional stability is a personality trait that relates to being even-keeled and managing emotions. People with low levels of emotional stability can experience dramatic mood swings. On the other hand, people with high levels of emotional stability are able to deal with stressful situations and stay calm and positive throughout. People with low levels of emotional stability can easily become frustrated and discouraged and spend too much energy on focusing on their emotions.
Self-discipline is another personal trait that is necessary for remote workers. Self-discipline is essential in ensuring that one keeps focused on the task at hand, even if it means taking unpleasant steps. This means being able to work out problems and accomplish goals. Ultimately, working from home is not for everyone, so it is important to stay motivated. There is plenty of pressure, but it can also be rewarding.
Besides being competent, remote workers may need to handle criticism with grace. While negative attitudes can hinder productivity, an optimistic attitude will encourage a positive work environment. People who accept criticism are more likely to improve and learn. In addition, constructive criticism is a good way to discover your own positive traits. Respond to criticism with positivity and avoid letting negative comments get in your way.
Self-discipline is another important trait for working from home. Working from home requires a high degree of independence, which means that you’ll need to be able to start projects quickly and complete them professionally. It’s a good idea to practice small projects and see if you can work independently without supervision.